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SPECIAL EDITION My Favorite Teacher 1>click here< helo......i read bout the adzu fave teacher and i have also she is ma'am shirley ramos i love her so much and to the student who love ms. cellyn b. aron - verallo i love her also                       -charlene shirnette- My Teacher (Why Him?) azaking_15@yahoo.com Country:Philippines Edward Benedict B. Molina III - St. John Ogilvie So, I'm here again, writing my formal theme for my English Composition. Hope you won't get bored. I'm expected to write about a teacher who changed my life, my ideal teacher to be exact. He is a biology teacher who handled us when we were in our 2nd year in High School. He is not actually tall, but he knows what he's doing. He's still young and somehow cool if I might say. He is Mr. Marc Louis Quijano. You didn't expect it to be him right? I'll tell you why I chose him. When I entered my 2nd year in high school, I thought all the teachers would strict and cruel, and that they would make my life miserable. I was lucky that not all were strict and cruel, but there was always one teacher who really stood out and really changed my view on high school teachers. Yes, it's him; Sir Quijano is a nice guy, sure he might not give the highest of grades but he's always there when you need help. He's like a best friend or guidance counselor, or maybe not. Anyway, let's get to the part on how he changed my perspective on high school teachers. During our Biology class, the others (SSC) leave the classroom to go to there respective rooms, as for us, we remain inside the room with Sir Quijano. During this time, he might say some jokes that are really not funny, but somehow a laugh will escape your mouth. Biology time with him is kind of like a vacant period or periods because sometimes we have double periods, by this time I can rest a little bit. He is  really a good teacher; he knows what he's doing even if he might act childish at times. He calls us "The VSSC" or The Very Special Science Class or "The Chosen 20," and for that, we nicknamed him "Sir Neggie," for reasons we can't explain because of its obviousness. His motorcycle's plate number is JJ 5379. We found out the plate number when we saw him driving the said vehicle. It may sound absurd, but he accepted his nickname! Wow! And he rarely scolded us. You see, he made me realize that not all teachers are strict and that they are more like friends than teachers. Even if Sir Neggie acts differently compared to others, he is still worth respecting and should be taken seriously at times. I would like to say thank you to him, for everything, for the good times and even the bad times. He currently the class adviser of II - St. Bellarmine, as for us, we are in 3rd year now, he visits us every now and then just to say 'Hi,' we often tease him every time he visits. To end my formal theme, I would like to share a quote attributed to Aristotle, "Teachers who educated children deserved more hour than parents who merely gave them birth; for bare life is furnished by the one, the other ensures a good life." Guys, remember to respect everyone including your teachers, you'll never know who might help you someday. A teacher who serves as my inspiration Email Ad: dyan143_rivera@yahoo.com Country: Philippines Do you have a favorite teacher? Don't deny because I know that you have one. It might be because he teaches well, or has a sense of humor or it's because there is something in him that other teachers don't have or he is simply unique. Students have different impressions on their teachers. The basis of the students is the teaching strategy because we want topics that are presented to us to be interesting. Let me introduce my favorite teacher, who is Fr. John Chambers. He was my religion teacher when I was in second year. Of course, we all know him. During the assembly he's always present. I have a lot of reasons for choosing him as my favorite teacher. Never a time had I seen him not smiling. His smile brightens up my day. It makes me feel relieve. Fr. Chambers is a type of teacher who you can easily talk to. I like his gentle approach on his students. His unique teaching strategy helps us understand more the deeper message of the lessons. He teaches us to be responsible like copying lectures and making reflections. For me, it is his way of showing that he cares. He teaches us to be responsible. Take note, anytime he'll check your notebooks, so be prepared! Everyday I learn something to improve my vocabulary and lessons that can help me in my day to day activities. As a matter of fact, in his class, you can easily bare in your mind the lessons. I know that we are already aware of the values but in his class it makes us go beyond the lesson and apply it in life. When you'll attend his class, I assure you that he can inspire you and lead you to the right path in life. He touched my life by enlightening my heart and mind and made me realize that change is permanent and you should expect little from other people. I still remember the time when we reached the topic about proverbs; it is when all of us were struck. From that day on, we learned to distinguish right from wrong. May be if I haven't met Fr. Chambers I'm still confused about God and my faith. So, I'm really thankful to him. For it wasn't for him, I might be in the wrong path. For me, he is an angel in disguise given by God. Two Thumbs Up Jetto Mari R. Torregosa III-St. Ogilvie With this assignment, I came across a lot of names of my teachers. It was very hard for me to choose who will be my favorite teacher. Many teachers have been a part of my life and contributed a lot on my present being. But one name outshine in my list. And his name was Jun (this will be the alias I chose to hide the identity of the person in my assignment due to some unfriendly words mentioned in this essay). During my grade school years, I met my match. Jun was our teacher in Sibika. He was well known as the ultimate terror in grade school. My sister always talked about his cruelty in his class that made many students hate him. In our first encounter, my classmates and I noticed his face full of expectations on our section. It was like an impression that our class will surely experience the wrath of his teaching. As his reign began, problems swept away the happiness in our class, leaving us in a melancholic state. Many were victims of his college teaching style, but by the mercy of life, I was saved in a lot of instances. With his difficult teaching style, he challenged me to study more intensively. After I reformed myself to be a better student, I got high scores from his tests and recitations. I also got his attention and his admiration towards my perseverance. His class has been a worthwhile experience. At the end of his reign, there was a big relief from my mind. After I graduated from grade school, I hardly remember what it was like to be in his class. As time pass by, my study habit deteriorated. I became lazy and lax over my studies. In effect, I got unacceptable grades. Suddenly, I remembered the days of Jun's class where I struggled hard to achieve my dream of getting high grades. How I wish I can have that attitude again. But there is still hope for me. I shouldn't waste those moments of hard work for a good grade life and two thumbs up from Sir Jun. At this very moment, I tried to regain my good study habit. I hope I can succeed in my comeback. j2_dbest@yahoo.com.ph Country:Philippine True Teacher Raphael E. Acuna III-St.-Ogilvie Teachers have always been around the students to guide them when they have problems, to educate them the right or wrong manner, and to instruct them in their life that they choose. Any teacher will tell you that it's more of a pleasure to teach a bright child. It is definitely more rewarding for one's ego. But any teacher worth him credentials can channel work to the bright child, keeping him challenge and learning, while he puts major effort on the slower ones. Any teacher can do this. Most teachers do it. But the teacher that I have known is quite different. He would concentrate on his best student and let the others follow along as best they could, he would never accepts late papers, his exams were really hard, he would make fun on that zero that we have, he never smiles I really had a hard time on the subject although the lessons are not quite hard to understand but because of the teacher which gives me a hard time it became hard and very tiring. I had to sleep late at night to study so that I will not obtain a low grade; I had to sacrifice my rest time just to finish my homework. I had to study a lot. I really hate that teacher because of the pressure that he gives to me. Now that I'm already in my higher years of education I finally appreciate the lesson that he is trying to teach me. raphael_acuna@yahoo.com Country: Philippines An Inspiring Teacher Name: R. Linn Ninel I. Pajes Section: III-St. John Ogilvie School: Ateneo de Zamboanga University Country: Philippines Every student has a favorite teacher. But what kind of teacher do all admire? A teacher who is strict but at the same time tries to make your education interesting as well as imaginative? Or a teacher who is funny, friendly, and adorable? The one who shares his/her life during class? A good relationship with teachers inspires students in many ways. I had several teachers that I adored in school, but my favorite was my Physical Education teacher in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, Mr. Wilfredo S. Nono. He was passionate about what he taught, enthusiastic and infectious in his love of teaching and I adored him. I still remember so much of what I learned in his class and applied it in my life. I was in his class for four years and it was the most interesting days in my grade school life. He taught us how to play soccer, volleyball, and basketball. I was able to improve my skills in sports---speed, agility, strength, and endurance. I admired him for being himself; he took his job seriously in a way that he was he. He was the one who engendered in me the love of sport and a love of learning. Every time he starts his class, he would share some of his life to us, he was open. Whenever he would tell his stories, I would light up and get all excited what he was about to say. In one point, I wanted to become a teacher and I took the inspiration from him. I want to help someone like he helped me. I want to make a difference on someone's life the way that he made a difference in mine. He changed the way that I looked at teaching and has given me motivation to show my talents with others. He built the solid foundation of my educational life. He became my inspiration in all things and taught so many things. He was like my second dad. He would look out for me, guide me when I'm lost, help me when I was in need. He was willing to answer questions, and would offer advices. Not only is he a teacher, but he is rare role model for youth today. I am certain that all of my teachers made a difference in my life. I was so blessed to have met them especially Mr. Nono. Teachers were open to many different types of students, ideas and cultures. They really are the common denominator for everyone, aren't they? No matter where we are in life, I think we all have a teacher to thank for it. Inspiring and great teachers deserve thanks and recognition. You are more than your grades erwin_brussett@yahoo.com Country: Philippines Schools are one of the first places where kid's behavior and future educational success is shape. Teachers are carriers of either positive or negative behavior toward students. The reason why the first years of school are so critical is because kids learn the base of their educational life. I believe that teachers must love their career in order for them to pass enthusiasm, to assists, and to provide a warm environment to the students. In my opinion, teachers are the second mothers for the students because students spend a lot of time with their teachers. Teachers prepare students for a range of career pathways and help them develop the skills, habits and attitudes they will retain over a lifetime of learning. All one of us gained knowledge because of our teachers. Without them, our learning capabilities would be hard to develop and our life may be difficult. When a teacher teaches his/her students, illiteracy ends. But there is one teacher who became a model for me to strive hard in my studies and because of that teacher all of my insecurities were gone. He is none other than Bro. Dennis Ryan V. Cruz, S.J., Bro. Shio for short. He is currently our class moderator for the school year 2007-2008. At first, we were so curious to know who will be our next moderator because other teachers said that it will be a Jesuit. We were amazed and thought that our 3rd year life will be focused on his teachings and God at the same time. But, surprisingly, we did not expect that he will be so cool and funny. During our practices for the next Punlaan play which is entitled Ang Pagbabalik ni Sotero Samuang, we spend time to look for our next moderator. Desperately, we always come across a Jesuit but said to be the next moderator of Borgia. At last, it was already the opening of classes. I was excited to see my classmates although I get to see them every weekend. When we sat on our designated place, I am still eager to know and get to see our moderator but he does not seem to appear. The next day, I saw him together with my other classmates. From that moment, I said to myself that Bro. Shio has something that is not common compared to our previous moderators. My classmate, Cinderella de Castro, said, " Bakit siya naging heswita? Ang gwapo pa naman niya."  We just laughed at the same time listening to our moderator while he gives his rules in class. He mentioned four values that we should attain throughout the entire year. These values are cooperation, magis, excellence and respect. He also said to us that we are more than our grades and because of this inspirational statement, I have learned that grades will always be grades but what is important are the lessons that we get from our teachers. Bro. Dennis Ryan V. Cruz is a Jesuit in the Society of Jesus. Bro. Dennis made his vow during May 31, 2004 together with other aspiring Jesuits. He told us his different experiences and sacrifices in order to become a Jesuit. He talked about the three vows that he made during the said date. These vows are the following: vow of chastity, poverty and commitment. He said that at first it was hard to attain these vows but because he was determined, he was able to do these vows at the same time. He was able to get out of his danger zones and lived with Jesus as his master. He came to Zamboanga in order to spread the good news of the Lord together with some Jesuits. Bro. Shio, before becoming a Jesuit was once a banker or manager in a bank in Manila. I remembered that because of a certain girl, Bro. Shio decided to be a Jesuit but take note this girl is not his girlfriend. Let us just say that this girl is his best or close friend. As time passed by, we get to know more about Bro. Shio. I chose him to be the teacher who changed my life because he made me a better person right now. Before, I was so grade conscious because I was  pressured by my peers and also with my parents. But because of what our moderator said that we are more than our grades, little by little I learned to control my feelings of getting high grades. I am still doing my best but not for the sake of having high grades but just to learn new things that can help me in the future. Whenever I have a problem, I do not hesitate to go to Bro. Shio and tell him what I feel because I know that I can count on him. He was  part of my life because like what I have said earlier, he changed me. To sum up, it does not matter who was the teacher who changed you but what matters most is that how it changed you. It is better if we became a good and organized person because of a certain teacher. But it is still in us if we want to change our bad attitudes and qualities and be a good fellow. But for now, I would just like to thank Bro. Dennis Ryan V. Cruz for coming into my life and for making me a better person now. I would not be the new Erwin if you did not come into my life. Not just a teacher, but also a friend Many people come to our life. Some we remember, others we don't but what matters is how these people changed our lives. For me, I didn't remember most people's names. I'd just be familiar with the faces and then I try to remember where I met that person or whatsoever. How about teachers? Well, I don't remember most of them. Only some, and the others would be just familiar faces. There would only be few of those teachers that I'd remember but there is one that I'll never forget. She stood out from the rest and how she handles situations amazes me. She is Ms. Cellyn Aron. When I was in grade school, I didn't talk much especially with teachers. I never thought of a teacher like her who would talk to students like they're contemporaries. I could still remember of a time we talked not like a teacher and a student but like friends. It was during our science camp. It was already dark and I was alone sitting on the stairs watching the kids play. She came and sat beside me. Then she started talking of her life and of her family. She even asked me of mine. As we talked, I grew to like her. I was able to share to her things about myself. I also gained my confidence which made me able to participate in her class more actively. I always thought teachers who were so kind were the ones who are often abused by students. They were the ones who would probably cry at the end of the day but she was different. She knows how to set limitations. I'm amazed at how she could handle a class that's noisy and abusive to kindness. Whenever she enters class, though we were noisy, we listened to her lectures. We could freely ask matters that we didn't understand. She was always there to listen to what each and every student wants to say. I guess that's what makes her so admirable. From all the teachers, she was the one I was closest with. Many students liked her a lot. She was the best teacher I had, not only the best but the coolest. She even hosts some programs at school. She was such an energetic person and I always admired her for all her amazing traits. Though she isn't teaching us anymore, she'd still be the best teacher for me. I'd always thank her for everything she has done. Not all teachers could surpass or even equal her personality. She wasn't only a teacher but a friend and I'm thankful that I'm given a chance to meet a person like her in my life. Jeanne Louise C. Sta. Teresa III-St. Ogilvie redguardian_15@yahoo.com Teachers are Gifts Felisse Erika L. Macaso III-St. Ogilvie Teachers are our second parents and so our school serves as our second home. We usually think that being a teacher was an easy profession that all they do is just stand and talk in front, discussing lessons that they have prepared in their lesson plan, giving lots of home works and requirements to students and would love to see us thinking so hard while answering their given quizzes. Because of these, students had lots of notions on teachers. We often say that their so boring, strict and sadistic. We don't seem to recognize the value of their teaching and their efforts. But I believe that they are more than what we thought they were. I realize that their just doing their job. Just like our parents, they want us to learn and mold us to be a better person and to be prepared for the future. They affect our lives in many possible ways and have great influences in us, through their teachings. I have been to school for 11 years, I met a lot of teachers with different personalities. But only few had touched my life and they have their own unique way. One of the few is Bro. Dennis Ryan V. Cruz SJ, a Jesuit. He is my present religion teacher and our moderator. As a new teacher in the High School unit, I don't know anything about him and upon seeing him; my first impression was he is somewhat strict, just like other teachers and serious about his job. But as time pass by I learned a lot of things in him for just a short period of time. Among all the teachers, he was different and has a unique personality. Bro. Shio, as our moderator was great. I can say that he could be a good father to his children. He always tells the class 'Ogilvie, you're more than your grades' every time we get low grades. This quote had an impact not only to me but also to others. He made us realize that a person who's so intelligent but doesn't have the heart is miserable. Grades are just means and not the end. We achieve high grades but we do it without degrading ourselves but we excel in our hearts. What matters the most are the good values that we have. Besides, grades aren't merely the basis for others to tell if a person is smart or not. Yes, it counts but grades are plainly just numbers. But important thing is how one deals with life. He's not just a moderator to me but also a true friend and big brother. As we all know, students get easily bored in religion class. But, he being our religion teacher was different. When he discusses his lessons in front, everyone would stop doing unnecessary things and would listen to him. I was amazed on how he could touch our lives by the things he taught us. I was enlightened through his teachings. Now, I realize how important God was and this subject was also relevant to my life. I learned many things that made an impact on me. He taught me how to love this subject and to be closer to God. Teachers are one of the greatest gifts that a student can have. We must learn to appreciate and thank them because they also serve as our stepping stone in becoming a better person in the future. Life without teachers would be dull and lonely. Being a teacher is a tough job, they stay up late just to check our papers, making lesson plans and helping us to learn. I admire them for being so patient in teaching students and their dedication to their job. We should thank them, because without them, we wouldn't be the person that we are today. Bro. Shio has touched my life; because of him I'm more confident and an optimistic person. sweet_fem92@yahoo.com Country:Philippines My Best Teacher Our teachers are those who teach us, their students or pupils, often a course of study or a practical skill, including learning and thinking skills. And if you're a teacher, you must be one whose personal life is like unto the master, in loving compassion and full humility of soul, with nothing of "I" or "me" left; one whose continual ascension releases more and greater power and light for students to ascend upon. The teacher that I like the best is my Chinese teacher, Susan Tan whom I fondly call 'siansi' meaning teacher. We have been together since I was in kindergarten. At first I found her very strict, but her being one made me study harder and the effort developed my study habits. Her voice was so loud which kept me awake and alert during our class. She represents authority and the example of true charity. When she became my teacher, I learned how to read, write and speak the Chinese language correctly. What I like of her is that she cares for me and she's glad whenever I get high grades in my exam. The thing that I will never forget about her is how she taught me to sing Chinese songs every time I participated in singing contests. I also learned a lot of good things from her such as honoring and respecting our parents and our elders. I appreciated everything she did for me and she will have a special place in my heart. Our very own teachers are important in our lives, because without them we will not learn things and we cannot share what we've learned with others. We will not be able to graduate without their guidance. Our teachers are the ones who encourage us to study well for us to attain our goals in life. We owe our success in life not only to our parents but to teachers as well who in one way or the other assisted us in the achievement of our ambition. nicafernando_31@yahoo.com Country:Philippines The Teacher Who Made My Grade School Life Worth the While Erika Joyce A. Barredo 3-Saint John Ogilvie During our entire course of existence, there are certainly people who inspire, teach, comfort and help us in so many ways. Undeniably, these people include our teachers, our role models who serve as our second parents, not only in school but also outside its visible structure. But among them, one would definitely stand out. And that person for me is no other than my grade school Social Studies (Sibika) teacher, Mr. Simplicio T. dela Cruz, more famously called as Sir Jun. During my grade school days, he is least expected to be referred to as "a favorite teacher" for reasons even I agree upon. First of all, he is strict especially when it comes to requirements and when he sets a deadline, you should always remember this commandment, "Thou shall pass requirements on time." Secondly, he means business. By business, I mean he made our life a lot harder by giving us mind-boggling and forehead-sweating (don't use in formal English; I just invented this term) quizzes and unexpected ones. And lastly, he made us, or should I say forced us to be always updated on current affairs because for sure, the ousting of ERAP and the like, is always included on the quiz, or better yet, in the exams. Come to think of it, I shouldn't really blame him for that. By the way, he is just doing his job and what a great job he does! On the other hand, what really made me favor him, despite his terror image, was that he taught me a lot of things and that I've also learned a great deal from him, not only academically but personality-wise as well. He inspired me to strive more, to adapt the virtues of patience, perseverance, efficiency and responsibility and to always remember that mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them and to try to do better the next time. He also has that bizarre sense of humor and manages to give us a good laugh even in the most serious times. He is for me the great teacher Ralph Waldo Emerson described, "as not the man who supplies the most facts, but the one in whose presence we become different people." erikajoycebarredo@yahoo.com Country: Philippines Simply THE BEST Name: Harradier P. Isnani                    Year and Section: III - St. Ogilvie Teachers, teachers, teachers. They are the ones who serve as our 'secondary' parents in which school is our secondary home. I already had lots of teachers. It's obvious; I'm already a 3rd year high school student. Unless if I was accelerated for a lot of times, then maybe, I could count the number of teachers I had in my whole life in school. If I would be asked if who my favorite teacher is, then the first clue that I would give is that, that teacher is a he. Actually, it sounds corny to give clues since I'd tell who he is anyway. It was the first day of school (SY 2007-2008) when I first met him. His name is Brother Dennis Ryan Villanueva Cruz SJ. Almost all of my classmates call him Brother Shio, but I prefer to call him just by his chosen vocation, I call him 'Bro'. As a matter of fact, he prefers to be called by that name. He doesn't want to be addressed as 'Sir'. Anyway, he is the moderator of our section, III - St. John Ogilvie and he teaches Religion. All of my 3rd year teachers are considerably good in all manners. All my teachers are good at teaching. I could easily understand what they teach. All of our teachers also treat our class well but I think that Bro is the best among them. Do you know why? I'm asking you because I do not know. I just think he is the best teacher. Maybe, it is because of he could easily relate to the daily experiences of his students whatever it may be, lovelife, family, friends, etc. All of the Ogies (Ogilvians, my classmates) are open to him, including me. I think some of my classmates even tell him their problems and ask him for some advice. I saw that he really has concern for his students when my cellphone got lost. I really saw that he tried his best to retrieve my phone but it was okay for me even if we failed to. As long as the thief would burn in hell, I would already be satisfied. When he first entered our classroom, my first impression about him was this, a very strict teacher, but then later on, I found out that he is only strict in terms of time like deadline of requirements and other stuffs that have something to do with time. This was the only time that I felt religion class was a burden in my studies. It was really hard, unlike when I was a 2nd year student. Back then our teacher was Father Chambers and Religion was as easy as eating candy. But today, religion is really a lot different. It demanded studying and critical thinking during exams. Our project was also way more difficult than our project in Religion II. Anyway, I learned a lot of things from him. He taught me that as long as I tried my best, then that would already be okay. He told us that in every competition or contest, as long as we tried our best and as long as we enjoyed, it would already be okay even if we don't win. I learned that I should not hide the true me and not to try to be someone who I am not. For me, this is the most important thing that I have learned from him. First of all, I realized that I was really pushing my self too hard when it comes to studies. It was because of the pressure that my mother was giving me. And so I learned that I am more than my grades. I learned that I should cut the bad habit already. I learned that giving my best shot would be the same as getting a 100 mark on my card even if in reality I get a 75(which in reality of reality too, I did not experience). Brother Shio is a very good man. For me, he is the best teacher and the things that he taught me would never, ever, be erased in my mind, and in my heart. Even until the time that I would graduate in college. Even until the time that I would be married and have kids. Even until the time that time would never reach, his words would always leave a mark in me. Email Ad: harradier_isnani@yaho.com Country: Philippines A Piece of Her Teachings I believe that teachers are indeed very eminent and influential to the people in the society. They teach us so many things, from the most basic ABC's to the most complex stories of history. Aside from the lessons' course, they also inculcate values and teachings about life. They undeniably play a big part in our education and life, too. As we live in our school, we meet a lot of them,  each one with a distinct personality but with a common goal of teaching us the required knowledge and instilling wisdom and virtues in us the best way they can. They also guide us throughout our studies and school life. Additionally, they are very significant in our lives, whether or not we admit that fact. However, we don't like all of them; but they touch our lives in a way. Each is very unique from the other teachers I've known, but for me, there were some who stood out from the rest and made my life fascinating. One of the teachers that unlikely influenced my life is Ms. Mageline Rasonable. She was our Literature teacher during the second, third, and fourth quarters of my first year in high school. My first impression about her is that she's good, proficient, and kind. Well, she was somehow like that. But after her first week, I began to dislike her. There came some activities that were burdens to me. She had begun asking us to write weekly journals and all that. She was also very concerned with the surroundings of our poor dirty classroom everyday. She wanted it always clean and arranged before she gets inside. I can't blame her for that; no teacher wants a dirty classroom. But there were few times when we wasted some minutes of cleaning before we get started with the class. I realized then that it was definitely better to keep a shipshape classroom. There were also a lot of requisite group activities and I think I've liked them. I did learn much from the sharing. But on the other hand, I didn't seem to like the way she lectures us nor her set of questions in the tests and quizzes which were all detestable. The other memories wherein I don't like her were the OMS (one-minute speech) and elocution. I never enjoyed oral speaking. But one of the sweetest experiences our class shared with her was the Choral Recitation where we've gotten to practice most of the time of the period. Those times were just so simple but memorable. Of all things about her, I simply like her QOTD's (Quote of the Day) the most. Every meeting/session, she writes the day's quote on the blackboard before the class begin. I truly appreciate all those lines although I can't remember them all. Although I find a hard time reminiscing all those bittersweet experiences, I'm still glad recalling all those challenges I've passed. I can say that I didn't become close (or open) to her at all but I learned to like her in theend. Truthfully, she wasn't the most important or the best teacher of my whole life but I admiringly remember the nice lesson of hers about closeness' attachment; that was accordingly her biggest mistake as a teacher. She became very close to her former students and regretted. It was only that moment that I realized that people should not be very attached to a thing or someone since we can never tell how long they would stay or when will they go. We should all be ready to be detached to certain people or thing for our own good. We just have to keep them in our hearts and live their influence to us as better persons. Hence, the most essential legacy of our teachers is their teaching that they've shared to our lives. joey_ires@yahoo.com Country:Philippines.    A Man Who Sought to Change the World Paolo Ramon Padayhag III-St. John Ogilvie Ateneo de Zamboanga University HS There are some people who believe in those life altering experiences that place themselves amidst our surroundings and yet are oblivious to their presence. I, however, was able to witness their actions first hand. How I am able to do this is a story laid to rest; let's just say a certain Princess showed me the full moon once in October. Because of my aptitude of heightened spatial awareness, I was able to grasp the premonitions of this so- called life altering experiences and interpreted them in the light of reality. What intrigued me most was that these encounters presented themselves in the context of such simplicity that it was completely naked in sense. So why are they invisible to us when in fact their manifestation is undeniably obvious? For a long time, I believed (just as the rest of us) that God's hand played a role in the diversions that the world takes course on. The only reason why we are unbelievably narrow-minded is the fact we see God as an Almighty force and expect certain effects in theatrics. But some of us see differently. We don't see God on a throne lording over legions of angels. We see Him in the street begging for food. We see Him in simple robes. We see Him eating Chicken Joy at Jolibee. We see Him playing DotA in Netwatch. He is all of us. That's why we fail to recognize God's hand because the experiences we undertake interprets God in a form we cannot begin to recognize as a symbol of power. Perhaps that's why I saw Him in a teacher of mine. In fact, I see Him with different faces, each with different smiles, and all of them undertook the profession of teaching. One of my favorite teachers thought me that we should always be last by the buffet table instead of being one of the ravenous consumers who flock to take the biggest chicken. Another teacher thought me to take the chance of a lifetime as I went to undertake the Philippine Science Exams after she recognized my abilities. Despite failing to meet the total requirements, she made me enter anyway. But why me? I couldn't answer that question at the time. And then I realized the answer almost two years later. She believed that I had the talent to walk with brightest minds of today when other teachers shunned me to the side. It was then I also remembered Bro. Shio's story concerning the life of Peter the Rock. He defied the Lord three times. And yet, he was the first to go back to the light. Ultimately, he became the first Pope. In the eyes of man, why on earth would God choose Peter, a person who escaped his responsibilities? Surely another person would have been apt in taking the responsibility. And yet, I was chosen: the boy who hanged out with a bunch of scoundrels. A nexus of intercepting connections. . . That was my first perception of Destiny. The answer always came back in a different light, in a different time, in a different place. It was just like Bro. Shio's story telling me of the reasons why Ma'am Bello chose me for the competition. It was in present time did I find God in a much more concrete example of true divine intervention Our Composition teacher told us to construct a for our second quarter project. The goal was to choose a teacher who greatly influenced our lives. Of course, I already thought of a Ma'am Lorenz, an English teacher from the grade school, as she was the instructor who thought me my first lesson regarding life: 'Give, and take nothing back.' I was deep in thought on how to best to treat this new kind of information to my advantage, when an unknown occurrence slapped me in the face. I was failing in my Filipino subject. Being handicapped in Filipino was of course a pathetic excuse to cover for my shortcomings (which, by the way, is in fact true). In order to solve my apparent weakness for my Nation's native language, I sought for the Principal of the school, to whom I am on good terms with. Talking to Ma'am Hong, I relayed my views concerning the academic prowess of the school and how it affected a variety of students. Ultimately, I asked her for special remedial classes for students who were unbelievably incapable of taking on the subject to whom they were subdued to their feet. Her reply was nothing short of gratitude of my views but still deemed my advice a failure. Before leaving, she asked me a question concerning my moderator. It was about his standing in the classroom and how he adapted to his students. I was unable to answer her question since I did not believe my views to suffice to her wishes and plainly told her that she could seek another student to answer the question. She relentlessly plowed on, until I had to ultimately give in to her question. I told her, 'He was the best moderator we ever had.' I was not degrading the status of my previous moderators. It was just the fact that in both in the classroom and out, he went deep into our heads and practically became a part of our lives. He was completely different from all the teachers I have crossed with throughout my student experience. He went through such lengths just to understand his students, even to a point of disrupting the lesson in order to learn from his students and to help them fight their personal demons. He was like Luke Perry portraying Ron Clark in that movie where his interactions with the students became the pivotal plotline of the story. I ended my statement telling Ma'am Hong that I will find my other classmates in order to conclude her evaluation of the new teachers. Her reply was nothing short of what I expected. She told me that, '. . .your word was all I needed.' Of course, I never really appreciated what I said at that time. I was speaking what my mind assessed during the days when we just met. So I could only scrutinize that assessment from past meetings. However, all of that changed when the inauguration of the SdPC overnight took place. I was among the older members so I knew more or less what was going to happen. As expected, the members were doing their daily rituals like playing basketball, talking about their lives, playing Game of the Generals, using the PS2 or playing their guitars. But not all those expectations were met out with the same sense of conviction. In fact, this was perhaps the first time in my experience that a Brother would put so much effort in adding new rituals for this overnight and took things to a much more holy aspect. For the first time in my SdPC career did I witness of what looked like a pilgrimage around the entire Tumaga campus. After that, we ate our dinner through endulasao. This was also perhaps the first time that we actually had to prepare a different meal for both Christian and Muslim members. What we usually do was that we brought our own fill and the members ate at their own discretion. Bro. Shio also proclaimed his thoughts vehemently as he spoke with conviction concerning the highlights of that day's assessment. We even partook in a separated meditation process which involved the various members sitting in a designated and otherwise deserted are and reflect the topic at hand. For the first time since my induction into the SdPC, I witness a much more holy prospect of the overnight. It was not all fun and games at it usually were for it included holy aspects and serious contemplation and meditation. But perhaps Bro. Shio's much more defining strength was his philosophical aspect of life, his critical thinking, and his sense of awareness that allowed him to see things in a different light probably separated him from all the other Brothers I ever knew in my life. Of course, all the Brothers withheld all these aspects under their belts, but it was the fact that it was the first time I laid witness to an actual interaction with a Brother who spoke not in the context of the philosophical aspects, but in the light of the reality his students undertake. My interactions with my classmates, his own endeavors, and perhaps the Amazing Race that took place during the overnight was one of the topics he cross-examined with the lessons and ideologies learned in higher theology. I spoke to him that night during the Amazing Race about a lot of things. It was also then did I realize it was the first time we spoke not in the context of teacher and student but in the manner of man to man. During our conversation did I realize that he too held a higher sense of awareness in his surroundings, perhaps best said when he was the only person to realize my sudden deviation from all the Ogilvie class as I constantly separated my presence from my fellow contemporaries. I realized he was a man I could never fool considering he was smarter than he looked, having attended a retreat which is required by all those wishing to undertake the path torwards God. There was one more defining aspect that I failed to acknowledge in this project. Not once in his classes was there a memorable moment in which he related to us with the words of God trailing behind him. One time included the sense of persecution about how people persecute animals or other people because of what they are, instead of who they were. One example was Jake the Snake, Bro. Shio's friendly garden snake whom he saved in the Jesuit Residence. From what I could remember from that lesson, all the other people strayed away from Jake but it was Bro who took him and cared from back to health. I often marveled how he manages to make the lesson much more understandable through this simple little aspect. One other time was when he discussed to us a controversial topic concerning fraternities. He disclosed to us various fraternity rituals and hazing processes that were in fact, in a way quite brutal. He even showed us the various insignias of these frats. But in what relation were these to our lesson concerning Baptism? He told us that we too were induction through a kind of hazing process, and that we were inaugurated into a huge fraternity: the Church. All of these statements are reasons as to how influenced my life. But perhaps the most defining moment of his encouragement came with our last long quiz. I received a 79%, which may undeniably be the lowest score in that test. Like most students, I was outraged with his grading system and at the same time contemplated on my abysmal performance. I mean, who could blame him for giving me a grade like that? Sure, his essay tests are perhaps the hardest tests me and my classmates have ever undertook in our entire career as students. But it was a week after that did I have a sudden revelation as to why on earth I deserved a grade like that. I looked backed on all the other tests I had. All of them were higher than 90%. And the reason for this success? I failed to study and understand the topic at hand, merely relying on stock knowledge and heightened understanding on the issue. I achieved second place after using this tactic during the Academic Jumble in my grade school days. But it was the Academic Jumble that made me realize my errors. Second place; the question: where did the 2004 Olympics took place? That question separated me from second place with the top prize. My original answer was in fact the correct one. But I changed it midway after confusing it with another fact. Because of my lack of effort, I never got to the top; only reaching the second best. Up to now, I marveled on the fact why on earth I still changed that answer. The possibilities of such a future with that victory in mind were endless. And yet, I lost it all to my intolerance. What I failed to recognize as a sign from God was answered almost four years later. That 79% percent told me only one thing: I reached the highest point in academics, in league with the best, and my lack of effort was my trump card. Of course, it was one thing to understand and put into value what we learn into our lives, but it was something else that made the greatest of us reach the peak. They gave their effort, sweating and bleeding all the way, knowing the prize was on the top. They, like me, could have merely relied on their knowledge and stopped studying instead of giving their best, and they would still get a high position. But was that what they really wanted? No, they wanted glory, and that was what pushed them to reach the top, to grasp eminent victory in their hand. I, not even bothering to give my best, was my downfall; the simple thing that made me only reach the neck, and never the peak. I didn't realize this at first, and so I continued to use this little tactic. So God showed me a lesson. 79% was all he needed to show me. And it was then I understood. I was smart; I was intelligent. But to be the best was a mountain only reachable by climbing to the top. To give your best, to exert all effort was the key to getting 90% and above. My methods were merely shortcuts and detours out of hard work, and that's why he gave me 79 on that exam. To memorize your lessons was one thing, but to understand them was quite another. Only now did I realize the loophole in its wisdom. I did embody all the aspects and lessons I undertook. I understood them in every context. But I failed to give all that I had when it came to testing time. I indeed understood them, but to re-read them again was to help me understand them even more. After this little travesty, did God's plan of telling me his lesson, almost four years in the making, did it finally reach me, and I valued its existence. I guess God doesn't give a damn about time and space. If He needed to tell me something, even if it took my entire life to understand, He would do it. I guess that why wisdom always takes itself in the form of an old man, because only then when you were old and your dentures fall out did you get and understand God's message. That's why I have to thank Bro. Shio tomorrow. If he asks why, I'd have to tell him to read this so he�d understand. At least, when I go to sleep tonight, I would tell myself, that even God could get a 79% in his exam, and he would be proud of it. padayhag_polo@yahoo.com Country:Philippines He Believed in Me Jemm A. De Leon III-St. John Ogilvie Ateneo de Zamboanga University HS "No, Jemm. Madaming mali dyan, basahin mo ulit. Look closer, it's really funny.." A hearty laugh soon followed right after he told me this with assurance. I was reading that annoying newspaper of some unknown school over and over again. The initial goal of the rendezvous was to prepare for an annual contest known as the Division Schools Press Conference and it just so happened that I was chosen to represent Blue Eagle for the Copyreading and Headline Writing category. It was quite shocking on my part because I was merely a freshman and I barely even made an effort to get in the club but since I've won a couple of medals on the same category during my Elementary days, Brother Ulysses Cabayao entrusted me with the task of being one of the competitors. 'Old lady.. young man.. swimming pool.. blahblah'. I muttered as I continued to scan the ever so boring feature article for the nth time, Ate Mich and Bro were busy laughing about it while I didn't seem to find anything wrong with the article except for a few punctuation and typographical errors. I began to think that the story was morally wrong out of my desperation because it was about pedophilia but then, giving an article a 'morality check'  wasn't the task of a copyreader based on my memory of a dozen press conference seminars. That one sunny afternoon has never left my thoughts and it's always one of those little things that pop out of my mind whenever I remember Bro. Ogie. As stated earlier, I've met him because of joining the Blue Eagle Publication, Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School's official school paper. And ever since then, I've always felt that this was one club where I'd really belong in. He has currently left Zamboanga because his two -year stay in the Ateneo has already ended, this has been a very sad thing to many students and of course that already includes me. No matter what I do nowadays, I can never push myself to the point of forgetting Bro's colorful and lively personality. He didn't just leave me nostalgic memories of having him in my high school life; he also has made a great impact on my personality and outlook in life. Due to his profound skills on moderating a club and handling students, he has caused me to learn how to socialize more with different people even if they are older or younger than me. By constantly calling for seminars and such, he helps the students awaken the inner writer or artist in them and causes them to be more confident of their own capabilities. In my Elementary days, I've always thought of myself as a very weird person because I've often stumbled upon questions like 'What are you good at?' or 'What is one thing that makes you different from others?' I remember struggling to come up with an answer that wasn't even half true and I simply made them up for the sake of providing the questions a reply. I grew confused over the years but as soon as I found myself as one of the staff in a school paper, I began to realize that maybe writing or journalism was the hidden talent I've been hiding all these years. I got a taste of what it was like to be a writer and was even given the chance to prove myself by being sent to my first press conference. I remember being chosen out of sheer trust by Ma'am Ruth, she needed no tests and simply chose me out of judgement. It was quite a shock in my part for I've never participated in such a contest like a press conference, the category I was in was known as the hardest one and the Ateneo Grade School never garnered the top spots in it. After a few lectures and all, the contest finally came and I made myself a name by bringing home a silver and gold medal. I didn't find the same success during my first year of high school and that surely made me feel bad about not living up to Bro, Ogie's expectations. I was thinking that my lack of experience was the cause of my loss and I simply needed to strive harder. The next year, I was once again surprised for Bro once again chose me as the representative for the category I found no victory in the previous year. But of course during the second time around, I was able to win a bronze medal. It was also during these times when I got more interested in writing and due to Bro's influence; I even started to become an avid reader and a lover of poetry. To cut the long story short, Bro Ogie was one of the people who contributed much to what I am today. With his pure faith in me, I was able to grow and learn from the experiences I encountered while being in the Blue Eagle. With his patience in persuading me to conduct proper interviews, I was able to break out of my shell and was finally able to confront people without any hesitation and shyness. He has touched my life too much and words can never be enough to tell of the countless things he's done for me. I had a lot of fun with him and I can never ever get over the fact that he has left. I will always and forever hope to one day see that bright smile of his. For memories of our experience in Dapitan would always come back to me every night as I watch the specter of stars shimmer in the dark skies. That perfect moonlit night on the seashore, his hand rested on my shoulder in comfort, my best friends standing behind us in a trance and the echoing of that well-articulated voice of his reciting those familiar verses of 'Tonight I can write the saddest lines' would forever be engrossed in my head for as long as I live.. I'll always remember you, Tito Poch. princessofdraconiandarkness@yahoo.com Country: Philippines One of a Kind Email Ad:justmailaprilfaye@yahoo.com Country:Philippines I consider teaching a very challenging job but ever since, I never considered the profession of teaching as one of my interests. I never imagined myself standing in front of students and talk while nobody seems to listen. The idea of being a teacher someday never popped into my mind. But now, I have realized the importance of teachers and the difficulty of their profession. School would be a lot more boring without them. True, students got a lot of impressions on teachers. We say their boring and we don't seem to appreciate their hard work. Teachers are our second parents they say and I agree with it. Just like our parents, they have great responsibility on us too. They are a part of our lives and they play a great role in molding us to the person we would be in the future. Teachers affect us in many ways. They have a great impact on us, which can be either positive or negative. They can turn us from worst to best and make the subject we think is the most difficult be easier and interesting. Since the first day I entered school, I could not remember exactly how many teachers I already had but only few made a great impact on me. One of the few is Fr. John Chambers SJ, he is a Jesuit and he is our high school chaplain. Fr. Chambers became my religion teacher when I was on my second year in high school. I have known him since I was in first year, I guess everyone knows him for his entertaining homilies and friendly attitude towards students. I got excited knowing he would be our teacher in Religion. As he entered our classroom, he carried a huge smile on his face and there, he discussed his policies and grading system. I found him cool. He liked our notebooks to be colorful and he would want us to draw pictures for the lessons we had. As a teacher, he really is strict. He would require us to write reflections and to bring our Bible daily. He would also collect our notebooks at the end of each quarter and he would grade it. He also had his own grading system, unique from the usual but with it, you won't find it hard to get exemptions and high grades. But his strictness also taught me to become more responsible. Religion, one may think of it as a very boring subject but he made it more interesting and colorful. He made it even more fun. Every lesson we had  an application to our real lives that's why I didn't find it hard to understand. My favorite lesson was the lesson on proverbs. We had that lesson on our fourth quarter. The proverbs made a great impact on me because I found it applicable to my life. The proverbs had various themes and lessons. Some proverbs taught me on relationships with friends, forgiveness and success while some said something about failures and love. We all had good grades in his subject and many would always get exemptions. Teachers are really great. We should be grateful for the knowledge they imparted to us. We should learn to appreciate their hard work. Just imagine how stressful it could be writing lesson plans, checking test papers and talk in front of students who doesn't seem to appear interested. It takes a lot of patience to be a teacher and it is an important profession. We greatly need them in our society. Fr. Chambers has been a great influence to me. His lessons and way of teaching made religion even more interesting and fun. I guess that's why I chose him to be the teacher I like most . April Faye P. Barbadillo III - St. Ogilvie TEACHERS = IDOLS by: Kelvin J. Culajara (III-St. John Ogilvie) Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School Email Ad:opedzz@gmail.com Country:Philippines Only this time I realized and I saw the "parenthood" that are hidden within my teachers. That, they are not just meant to live to haunt us of X's and Y's and i's to the nth power, or to drain us of long essays and alien terms, nor to squish our brains of theories plus requirements plus formulas. Instead, they are with us to stand beside us, push us to our abilities and to live out their burning passion of teaching. And most especially, to uphold the long-living cliche that "teachers are students' second parents in school". There are already millions of times when I was asked by my friends, "who's your idol Kelvs?" And I would jokingly reply, "I idolize myself, you know! Hahaha!!!" Sometimes, they would just nodd in my joke, or play again the same question... "who's your idol, Kelvs?" But, never did they ever knew that I'm just a man of simplicity who adores simple people, too. But I was a coward because I tend to hide my real idols in life, afraid that if my friends would know, they would label me as a "geek"! (Well, primarily, no one would like to call him as such! Hahaha!!!) I do not idolize celebrities that much nor fashion icons. In the first place, I don't watch TV that much. Second, I hate the fashion styles nowadays like emo scheme and bringing back in time the retro style. And third, I'm looking for people who has enough brains and who has convictions that are very  impressing. And believe it or not, these people came to me in a form of teachers! These beloved teachers of mine whom I really look up to are Ma'am Venice Versoza and Bro. Shio Cruz, S.J. Both of them are my recent teachers this third year. Bro. Shio is our [OGILVIE] class moderator and Religion teacher, while on the other hand, Ma'am Versoza is our Social Studies teacher. Why Mrs. Versoza and Bro. Shio? Because I couldn't just weigh them easily simply because both of them are the best teachers for me? I like them because they can easily go in the flow of students while still retaining their lines of distinction of respect between a teacher and a student. They are not aloof, I tell you guys! They are the kind of persons whom you can talk to about your personal problems. They are also the kind of persons whom you can easily kid around like your bestfriends. And, they are natural... Natural persons who render themselves to others naturally. In fact, they are the reasons that I'm able to reflect on the things that I'm doing. They are open to our[students] ideas, they also recognize our strengths and weaknesses as persons. In Bro. Shio, aside from "you are more than your grades" and "when dialogue begins, war ends" quotes, I learned that there are so many things that can be done, and are more beneficial rather than crying over my test paper results. Through him, I learned the essence of brotherhood and what it takes to be a friend to others. I learned to see things positively and on how to inspire a heart. I learned the concept of sacrifice and giving in a deeper manner. I also learned the kind of liife of Jesuits and on how they endure being away from their comfort  zones. And lastly, I also learned that even Jesuits can go as crazy as me! Hahahaha!!! In Ma'am Versoza, she helped us [young students] realize on how love is different from infatuation. She often tells us her experiences in love which became useful to me on putting up the focus of my mindset. And through her constant life-sharing to us every Social Studies session, I learned on how and when to react on problems, and on how to boost up my courage in times of being hanged in a cliff of dilemma. How did these two special people changed my life? Simple! Through their approach, kindness and openness, they created an impact which directly pierces my heart. I became open too, in a way that I can speak and render my view even to issues that are merely not for youngsters. I became more positive in seeing things, and I also became expressive. I became more practical in choosing my path. I became wiser, a sharer of values and lastly, I became a friend to others, to the greater public. I would like to end this short selection of mine by giving excerpts of their dialogues. That from this moment, other people could also see a heart that is gold from ordinary people who are just passing by. "I'm here to help you OGILVIE. If you are an A student, I will push you to your A's. If you are a B student, I will push you to your B's. If you are a C student, I will push you to your C's. And if you are a D student, I will push you to pass. I will never stop pushing you guys until there will be a time that you do not deserve to be pushed anymore. If I push you, then push harder, guys!" - Bro. Shio Cruz, S.J. "...you can learn a lot from me because I'm an experienced person. I never got pregnant before I was married, I was able to marry an honorable man, and though there were a lot of problems that came, still I'm intact!" - Mrs. Venice Versoza- opedzz@gmail.com Country: Philippines Teachers: People who touch lives By: Angelica Maria Fidelis G. Camins III-St. John Ogivie, ADZU 'Teachers' when we hear this term what usually comes into our mind? A teaching stepmother right? A teacher is one of the people who touches our lives. They educate us to help us reach our goals and shape us to be better persons someday. There was this short story: There were three workers- a doctor, an engineer and a policeman. The doctor passed away and God asked him, 'What good have you done in the world?' The doctor said, 'I helped the sick to be well again'. God accepted him. Then during the doctor's burial an old man was present and was happy. Months later the engineer expired. God asked him, 'What good have you done in the world?' I build built houses, roads and buildings for the people. Then God accepted him. During his burial the old man was also there, and he was so happy. Then soon the policeman passed away God asked him the same question. The policeman said, 'I helped the weak people on earth and protect them from those who abused them'. Then God accepted him. The old man also attended his funeral and he was happy. Years passed and this old nab departed this life. God asked him this, 'Why were you so happy when I accepted the doctor, engineer and the policeman in my kingdom?' The old man replied, 'My Lord, It is because I was their teacher.' While writing this article I was happy remembering all my teacher since grade school until now. As I was scanning the pages of my year book hoping to get some ideas for this write-up, it was like a flashback. I reminisced those memories with my teachers especially who struck my heart. Yes, all of them did a lot to me, I gained and learned so much through them. I learned to read, write. Etc. My teachers also motivated and encouraged me to discover my potentials and talents, just like that of drawing. Yet among all my teachers I find Bro. Shio the best. He is a Jesuit regent and our present moderator. Many teenage girls in the campus and probably gays are attracted to his appealing personality. I can say he has the looks.(Bro. Shio head turner!!!!) I admire not so much his physical figure but more of his inner qualities. He has a big heart. He is strict yet a very understanding moderator. He opened our minds to the mentality concerning our grades. He always emphasize that: 'We are more than our grades!' As our moderator he strengthened all the more our class unity, despite the little conflicts among Ogilvians. He encourages us to dialogue with one another. According to him: 'When dialogue begins war ends'. One important lesson I learned from him is about giving feedbacks. He taught us that these feedbacks are never to put us down but to make us know something we should be aware of. These feedbacks could also be a turning point for us the change for the better. These are helpful pieces of advice that can guide us somehow as we move on through the paths of life. Education is indeed very important. It develops us mentally, physically, morally and emotionally. Through the experiences we gain in school and even out of school, we learn and become educated. That's why I am very thankful to all my teachers for educating me and inspiring me to learn many things. Education is the stepping stone in attaining success and reaching one's goal in life. I hope and pray that someday I would be a useful instrument in serving our God, our country and my fellow citizens. As we go onwards towards achieving our dreams in life, we carry the motto of our school: 'PRO DEO ET PATRIA', In the service of God and country. Email Ad:impostor_272@yahoo.com Country:Philippines A Favorite Teacher of Mine Fatima Shaneen A. Bara Section: III-St. John Ogilvie Probably the first thing that pops out from our minds when we hear the word 'teacher' is that they are the ones who teaches us in school as a form of profession. Oftentimes people's first impression of teachers is that they are strict and the serious types. But certainly it is also a mere fact that not all of them could be portrayed as such. Teachers of our present times are not the type whose seriousness we can't get to. We as students could also make them laugh and smile and of course they could even throw in the funniest jokes we could ever hear of. I myself could attest to that. I have a favorite educator of my own. I never expected him to be our teacher and certainly I never expected that he'll have a great impact in my life, that probably a teacher could change my perspectives about some preferences and views in the world. I was a sophomore when Father John Chambers S.J. became our teacher in Religion. Well, I heard of him before. Back when I was in grade school, I often see him walking around the campus with his briefcase. I knew that he was funny and of course kind. But I still haven't experienced having him as a teacher or I never yet became a witness of how funny he is. The first time he went to our classroom, I was flabbergasted because he was the only teacher who gave us lessons on the very first day we met. No introducing of one's self. Simply, he gave us instructions on how our project would be. That it would be a notebook wherein we write our lessons there and color them anyway we want and evidently he also asked for a reflection which we had to write on everyday. It was definitely my first time to have ever met a teacher such as him. At first, I admit, I wasn't that interested because I find it lazy to color my notebook and write a journal entry everyday. But as time went on, I realized that it wasn't that bad at all. That coloring my notebook was fun because when I study them it didn't make my studying that dreary. Even making my reflection everyday was cool because it really helped me express my thoughts and recollect at the end of the day. Father Chambers' lessons were quite different from the lessons of other classes because he didn't base it on his book. I guess he got those lessons from a notebook which he made and collected over the years. His lessons were more concentrated on life in general. Lessons which even when you grow up or mature as a person, you'd still remember them. It was an overall basis for everything. His method of teaching is that he would make us memorize these lessons and the effect is that it already becomes a part of us as a whole. Unquestionably until now it's not only I but we as a class still remembers the lessons he taught us especially the ones which talked about worldly values. His classes were not the typical religion class in which oftentimes students find it boring or a subject to do other tasks or probably sleep and go to dreamland. But his was a different one. Most of the time, Father Chambers would make faces just for us to understand the lesson better. I'll never forget the time when he acted as a baby. I really found it funny. He also made us laugh with his jokes and sometimes he also made us act the way he acted. That way, it made Religion Class lively. But on the other hand, Father Chambers was also strict. He was strict in a way because he wanted us to bring our Bible everyday and if we forget them we would have a minus 10. He also wanted us to know our limitations and set priorities. This is because during his class, we aren't able to do things outside the boundaries of Religion. In this way, I learned the essence of priorities. We also had recitation which allowed us to express our views and opinions on certain issues. This allowed me to be more open minded to the opinion of others. The question still lies, how did Father Chambers change me? In the past, I was the typical person who didn't give much value on things which can't be used, things which can't be bought; I gave more value on material things. I believe that it was the only thing that matters most. That having them made me complete. I also gave up easily. I was a pessimist back then meaning I am someone who sees something bad in everything. Father Chambers changed me as a person for the reason that I became an optimist. I started believing and trusting my capabilities and strengths. I knew and better understood that material things will never make you happy. Instead, you'll never find or attain the satisfaction that you long endure. It just makes you want more and more. But when you make others happy, the happiness that will return to you is twice the happiness that you gave. Although having him as a teacher wasn't that long. But reality is that he changed me. I feel better now as a person. I see life as a wonderful endowment to me. That it's something I should treasure most because my stay here won't be permanent. In my own time, I have to leave but as I depart, the things that he taught me will never be removed from me. It will always be a part of my identity, something which is greater than what the world portrays as something better. I'll never forget the statement that he said in one of our classes "There are so many good things to thank God! Don't waste your time being sad. Don't surrender your joy." As I go on in the journey of my life, I'll by no means forget Father Chambers. As I becoming close to the person I want to be in the future. I'll never forget to thank him. Undoubtedly he is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Email Ad: shaneenbara07@yahoo.com Country: Philippines Life Changing 11 years ago when I first entered in school, I was innocent and curious around my surroundings, yet I discovered it little by little and I started to learn new things in school with the help of our beloved teachers. As we all know that our teacher is our second parents. They guide us in correct way. There are times we were scolded by our teachers but there is a greater joy that arises precisely because we realize that we have teachers who are ready to help us and guide us in a way where we can be a better person in future. When I was in grade 4 there was a teacher whom I really cannot forget. For me, he is the best teacher in my life because he changed me a lot not to become a bad person but to become a better person. I called him Sr. June. He is a type of teacher that is strict inside the room but funny outside the room. He is also approachable, strict on time and most of all he is a type of teacher that always give an unannounced quiz, which almost all the students even I failed in those type of quizzes. Despite of my low grades in his subject, I don't put my self down and lose hope, instead I learned something from him which is I am very thankful, because I learned to be prepared always in school, to be responsible, and to manage time. I realize that we can't be a better person when we do not learn from our mistake. As we grow up, we begin to realize how important it is to receive the love and care of our teachers. We treasure the time when our teachers help us to grow. When our parents are not around to take care of us, we miss them and we long to feel their loving touch and see their caring eyes. We also begin to discover that it just important to share love and care to others. These discoveries tell us that another value is slowly growing in us . We call it the value of care and concern. Email Ad:youssry_lim@yahoo.com Country:Philippines A Good Teacher and A Good Friend Every student has a favorite teacher. We like all our teachers. They are our models and without them we cannot have the knowledge that we have now. But among many that we like there will always be the one that we like most. This is what we call our favorite teacher. For me sir Rommel Gonzales is my favorite teacher. He was my math teacher for the first year of my high school life and moderator for my second year. He patiently tried his best to help me understand and love his subject. He explained the lessons clear and well. He took pains in order to make us understand the lesson. Above all these he also taught with so much patience and dedication. He taught us values to make us good good students and citizens to the community. For these I am thankful to god for giving us such a teacher. And I will always be grateful to him for all the things that he has done for me. A good teacher is quite common but a teacher such as sir Rommel is a rare one. He is my favorite teacher because he does not only stick to the subject matter but he goes further just to give us more knowledge and   experiences. He is not only a teacher but a friend to us. Email Ad:jomar_250@yahoo.com Country:Philippines Recalling the Teacher Who Touched My Life Most Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School Department S.Y. 2007-2008 Name: Dave Eric M. Aguilera                                          Date: September 28, 2007 Year and Section: III- St. Ogilvie Teacher is a person who provides knowledge or insight to his/her students. Teachers have a very big responsibility to his/her students. In school, teachers are to be considered the second parents of the students. One good quality of a teacher is to be a role model to the students. What teachers say or do might be imitated by the students and this might have good or bad effects to them. Nowadays, we can't easily find an ideal teacher. But as for me, I have found one. The teacher who touched my life most even though I'm now a Third Year High School student is Mrs. Araceli R. Bedua. I usually call her 'Teacher Nor'. She was my teacher when I was in Kindergarten (both Junior and Senior Prep.) and in Grade 2 as our moderator in our section here in ADZU. I considered her as my second mother in school because of the qualities she had shown me which made me close to her. She was so motherly, caring and patient. She is very understanding and trustworthy that I can consider as one of my best teachers in my life. She doesn't only teach about the subject matters but also good moral values which I considered to have a great impact in my life up to these present times. She taught English Reading and Language when I was in Grade 2. I had a strong foundation on these subjects because she patiently taught us the correct English usage and understanding stories and its content with her guidance. She encouraged us to study always and do the best we can in our young age which made me inspired to have good grades especially in her subject. She went to the extent of having an extra time teaching us just to understand the subject matter. One very unforgettable experience I had with her was when I was quarreled by my naughty classmate. Instead of scolding my classmate, she requested him to approach me and say 'Sorry'. She also comforted me during the times that I am sad and did her best in order to bring back again the smile into my face. She never discouraged us and in fact, she made me amazed, as being closed and bonded to her, when she told me that she named her second son the same as my name. In fact, she's a perfect teacher that really fits whom my ideal teacher is. After all these years, she still recognizes and is proud of me for what I am now and I greet her always as we meet each other in the main campus together with her son and daughter and have a short talk as if we really miss each other. My respect and admiration to her are always within me and our bonding and memories will not fade away and will always remain in our hearts and minds forever. Finally, I would say that for as long as the teacher has done many good deeds to his/her students, the students will get closer to him/her and will love him/her continuously as time passes. Through these, a teacher will always be remembered by the students and those bonding and memories that the teacher and the students have will be treasured and will be honored as these were important marks left into their hearts and minds. The knowledge shared and good moral values that the teacher provided to the students are the teacher's legacy to them and will serve as a great inspiration that they will carry as they grow up.